GARY KENNETH LUDWICK 1947-2003

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GARY KENNETH LUDWICK 1947-2003 With great sadness and sorrow the family of Gary Kenneth Ludwick announces his passing on November 17, 2003. As the morning dawn broke, while in the arms of the one he loved, the Lord called him home. Left to cherish his memory are his fiance, partner, and soul-mate Susan Semeniuk; daughter Vicki (Dave) Strick; grandson Eric; daughter Christine Ludwick; sons, Robert Ludwick and Kelsey Frost; and the mother of his children Dairdrie Ludwick. He will forever be in the memory of his beloved mother Rose Ludwick; sister Carole Aitkenhead; brother Terry (Dona) Ludwick; as well as nephews Ryan and Jamie Aitkenhead, Thomas and William Ludwick; and niece Casey Ludwick. Many aunts, uncles, neighbours, and countless friends will also remember Gary. He was predeceased by his father Stanley Ludwick in 1997, and brother-in-law Brian Aitkenhead in 1994. Gary was born on March 6, 1947 in Winnipeg, MB. He was raised in Narol and later East St. Paul, where he lived for the rest of his life. Gary attended Donald and Dr. Hamilton schools and River East Collegiate. His nickname was Duke and he grew up in the 50s and 60s with a lot of friends, a love of sports, and a love of home. Garys love for his family was his greatest priority. He did everything he could to maintain a good home and family life, and provide a good education for his children. He was most relaxed at family gatherings, Sunday breakfasts, birthdays, and all the holidays, especially Christmas. The cottage, which he bought and renovated with his brother-in-law Brian, was an all-family activity centre. Each and every one of these occasions through the years, great and small, were set-aside for those closest to him. Family was very important to Gary and he was especially proud when his first grandson was born, and his family grew. He shared a lot of happiness with Eric over the last two years. Garys second family was Mulder Construction. In 1965, he went to work for Dick Mulder, pumping gas and working in the dispatch office. He learned the construction business from the ground up becoming Chief Estimator and Operations Manager. Over 38 years it was a labour of love, where he had so many friends and colleagues at Mulders and throughout the industry. Gary loved all types of sports. He liked to curl or golf, but he loved hockey best. Whether playing when he was younger or watching on TV. He took great pride in coaching and managing his sons Bob and Kelseys team, or cheering on and critiquing his nephews, he always had a passion for the game. He was especially pleased with Jamies advancement into Triple A hockey. Gary was instrumental in the founding of the East. St. Paul Tournament of Aces, still one of the most successful young age group tournaments in the city. Gary was an active member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church. It is the church of his parents and grandparents, and the church where he took his children. It is the church of his heritage. He took great satisfaction in completing the landscaping of the new church complex. He was also a member of the Narol Council of the Knights of Columbus. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Staff at Seven Oaks Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, and Riverview Health Centre for their care and compassion during Garys illness. Donations in Garys memory may be made to Corpus Christi Church Building Fund, Box 22 Grp. 354, RR#3 Winnipeg, MB R3C 2E7 Prayers will be said at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20 at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Friday November 21 at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 5819 Henderson Hwy., with burial to follow at church cemetery. Fr. Jerry Talarski will officiate at all services. Pallbearers will be Thomas Ludwick, Ryan and Jamie Aitkenhead, Lloyd Wachal, Len Miller and Derrick Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Mulder, Barry Mulder, Dudley Morrow, Terry Watson, Raynard Wahl, and Doug Gulle. When family ties are broken And loved ones have to part It leaves a wound that never heals And also a broken heart We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again We love you Gary . CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2003